Chilean midfielder Fernandez out of World Cup

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chilean midfielder Matias Fernandez needs surgery on his right ankle and will miss the World Cup, another injury blow for the talented South Americans.

Armando Franca

FILE - In this March 26, 2011 file photo, Chile's Matias Fernandez shoots to score a goal against Portugal during their friendly soccer match in Leiria, Portugal. The midfielder who is scheduled to have surgery on his right ankle, said on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, he will miss the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

FILE - In this March 26, 2011 file photo, Chile's Matias Fernandez shoots to score a goal against Portugal during their friendly soccer match in Leiria, Portugal. The midfielder who is scheduled to have surgery on his right ankle, said on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, he will miss the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Fernandez told reporters on Tuesday he would be unable to play in Brazil in three weeks. He said the ankle pain had been there for a long time, and only immediate surgery would fix the problem.

Another key midfielder, Arturo Vidal of Italian club Juventus, recently underwent right-knee surgery and is uncertain to make the World Cup. However, team doctors at Juventus have said they are confident he will play.

Chile plays its first match on June 13 against Australia. It also faces reigning world and European champion Spain, as well as the Netherlands in Group B.